Down there

NALEDI’S POV

Caellum chased the demons away.

Being so vulnerable and broken around him made me feel ashamed but I hid it well. It also helped that Caellum didn’t care to point out how dependent I was at this moment.

“I don’t know if I can do it.” I breathed heavily. “I don’t know if I can handle being around him.” A confession. “Luka. You were right, I can’t call the shots on this mission. I am way too weak.”

“You can and you will.” His arms tightened around me. “You are strong. Stronger than whatever the fuck that plagues your mind. And more especially stronger than that nutjob Luka. You will continue on this job. I trust you.”

Hearing him say those words aloud made me blink back tears. I hated being weak. The subject of pity. I hated it all. But I remained in his arms, fighting the strong urge to act out.